Despite show of support, chief's departure seems inevitable

Supporter: Lack of appreciation could send Craig back to Detroit

The push to keep Cincinnati's police chief from taking his talents to Detroit or elsewhere comes squarely in front of City Council.

Although there are those who consider the effort borderline interference with the role of the city manager, others speak of appreciation about the motion being advanced by several members of City Council.

Ennis Tait is one of them.

As pastor of the Church of the Living God in Avondale, he is on the front lines of street-level intervention with troubled and marginal youth in the community.

"Chief (James) Craig has not just been an asset, but he has been an inspiration to Cincinnati," Tait said. "I would hate to see us have to shift gears now. We're really on a momentum now that I think we all would like (to continue)."

Former police officer Cecil Thomas, who stepped down City Council a week ago, said he believes Craig wants to stay in Cincinnati.

"Nothing has been etched in stone", Thomas said.

Thomas is among those who question Council's involvement in the matter.

"We all want him to stay," Thomas said, "but it's like wanting Marvin Lewis to stay (as coach of the Bengals)."

City Council has no direct control over the outcome, and Thomas wonders about the wisdom of elected officials imposing on the turf of City Manager Milton Dohoney.

"(Dohoney) is doing all he can," Thomas said. "Bottom line, it is up to the chief. (City Council) should have no influence on it."

Craig has been the head of Cincinnati's police department since August 2011.

He has expressed interest in the Detroit position, although it is not clear where that city's search and selection process stands at the moment.

Detroit is Craig's hometown, and Tait said if the chief were to return there, it would be viewed as "heroic."

Tait said Cincinnati as a whole has not shown its appreciation for Craig as much as it should have by now.

The pastor believes that lack of citywide affirmation could be a factor in any decision Craig would make about staying put.

Craig said he was touched by City Council's gesture.

"First and foremost, I'm humbled by it," he said.

But he admits that he's considering a move back to Detroit.

"The draw is simple," Craig said. "I love the city of Detroit. I was born there. I started my policing career there."

Although Detroit hasn't made a formal offer to him, Craig's departure seems almost inevitable.

"Not a day goes by, I could be in a restaurant, people come up, line up, some take pictures and say, 'Look, you're going to be gone, we know you're going, but can we take a picture?'" Craig said.

But his supporters say there are many reasons why Cincinnati should try to keep Craig, citing a drop in neighborhood crime and a boost in officer morale.

"You know, the boots on the ground, the police officers, really like him, and I tell you that's a very telling and encouraging thing," said Pete Witte, a West Price Hill community leader.

Craig said the possible move isn't about money.

"It has always been about my passion to serve this city, and down the road if that becomes Detroit, I'm giving back to a place I call home," Craig said.

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